The term ‘why’ is a question. However, it may be used as a conjunction as well. Let us look into when and why that is.
Conjunctions are used to link two clauses together, and if the word ‘why’ is appropriately used in that context then it becomes a conjunction too.
When is “why” a conjunction?
Let us explore as to when can a word like ‘why’ be considered and also function as a conjunction.
The word ‘why’ only and only functions as a conjunction when it is used to help link two clauses together.
Let us look at a few instances of the above written fact.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. Her mother is the reason why she is going to college. | The word “why” serves as a conjunction in this sentence, enabling the second clause to elaborate on the concepts introduced in the first. |
| 2. This is why I do not like going to parties. | In this sentence as well, the word “why” is regarded as a conjunction because it joins two clauses. |
| 3. He is why I am even thinking of participating. | Because it links two clauses together in this sentence, the word “why” is considered to be a conjunction. |
| 4. This little plant is why I am into gardening now. | In this sentence, the word “why” acts as a conjunction, allowing the second clause to expound on the ideas offered in the first. |
Why is “why” a subordinating conjunction
Let us take a look into why the conjunction form of ‘why’ falls under the subtype of a subordinating conjunction.
‘Why’ falls under the sub-category of a subordinating conjunction because in the cases that it is used as a conjunction it more often than not connects a dependant (subordinating) clause to an independent (main) clause.
Examples of “why” as subordinating conjunctions
Below one can see several examples of the word ‘why’ functioning as a subordinating conjunction.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 5. Your cat is why I cannot enter your house since I am allergic. | The word “why” may be regarded as a subordinating conjunction since it helps connect the subordinating clause with the main clause. |
| 6. Her talent is why she got first place in the competition. | The first clause makes more sense and establishes the conjunction’s role as a subordinating conjunction when the second sentence utilises the subordinating conjunction “why” as a means to add more information. |
| 7. My colleague’s experience is the reason why she gets chosen to head most of our company projects. | The first clause makes more sense and establishes ‘why’ as a subordinating conjunction when the second clause utilises the said conjunction to provide extra information. |
| 8. My dog is the reason why I cannot go on a long vacation since he needs me around him. | The word “why” serves as a subordinating conjunction in this sentence, enabling the second clause to elaborate on the concepts introduced in the first. |
| 9. His injury is the reason why he will not be playing at the next game. | Given that it aids in tying the subordinating clause to the main clause, the word “why” may be regarded as a subordinating conjunction. |
| 10. The cancellation of my trip is the reason why I am back so soon. | Since it links the subordinating clause to the main sentence, the word “why” could be seen as a subordinating conjunction. |
| 11. They are the reason why I am even staying back in this town. | When the second sentence uses the subordinating conjunction “why” to add information, the first clause makes greater sense and establishes the conjunction’s function as a subordinating conjunction. |
| 12. The boy is the reason why the girl is wounded and crying. | In this sentence, the word “why” acts as a conjunction, allowing the second clause to expound on the ideas offered in the first. |
When is “why” not considered as conjunction
Let us dig deeper into the times when ‘why’ is not considered a conjunction.
The term ‘why’ in and of itself functions as a question in most cases. It can function as an adverb, an exclamation and sometimes even a noun.
Examples of “why” not considered as conjunctions
Below are some demonstrations of ‘why’ not being used as a conjunction.
| Grammatical Form | Examples | Explanations |
| Question | 13. Why did you travel so far just to return a book? | As seen here, the word ‘why’ is used in its purest form, that is, in the form of a question. Having been used in the beginning of the statement it poses a question. |
| Adverb | 14. Why did he pick up the apple from the ground and eat it? | Even in its question form, the word ‘why’ is essentially considered to be an adverb. In other words, the basic grammatical categorization of the erm ‘why’ is that it is an adverb. |
| Exclamation | 15. Why, the weather today is pleasant! | Sometimes, the word ‘why’ may also be used as an exclamation as demonstrated in the statement here. |
| Noun | 16. He does not want to hear a why from anyone and wants you all to complete your work without question. | In rare cases, the term ‘why’ may also function as a noun, that is, when it is used singularly as a noun without being used for its usual functions. |
| Adverb | 17. The reason why she fell down was because of the bumpy road. | The adverb form of the term ‘why’, in a lot of cases, also functions as a way of giving reason for something. |
| Exclamation, Question | 18. Why, the plate! Why did she break such an expensive, delicate, little thing? | As one can see, in the statement here, the term ‘why’ has been used as an exclamation as well as a question. And that too one after another. |
Conclusion
As one can see, why can very much function as a conjunction when used in certain contexts across the English Language.
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